Verrucous Carcinoma and Epidermoid Metaplasia in Esophageal Oncology
Summary
Verrucous carcinoma of the oesophagus represents a rare, well-differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma, characterised by a slow-growing, exophytic, warty appearance and a pronounced hyperkeratotic surface. Despite its low propensity for distant metastasis, this tumour often eludes early diagnosis owing to non-specific biopsy findings and overlying candida colonisation. Epidermoid metaplasia, also termed oesophageal leukoplakia, denotes a benign-appearing transformation of normal squamous mucosa into keratinised, skin-like epithelium with orthokeratosis and a granular cell layer. Although uncommon, such metaplastic changes are increasingly recognised as potential precursors to squamous malignancy. Advances in endoscopic imaging, coupled with refined resection techniques and molecular profiling, are reshaping our understanding of pathogenesis, surveillance and tailored therapies for these distinctive lesions.
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Verrucous Carcinoma and Epidermoid Metaplasia in Esophageal Oncology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in verrucous carcinoma and epidermoid metaplasia in esophageal oncology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Verrucous carcinoma: A rare, well-differentiated squamous carcinoma with exophytic, hyperkeratotic growth and low metastatic potential.
Epidermoid metaplasia: Keratinising transformation of oesophageal squamous epithelium resembling skin, often with orthokeratosis and a granular layer.
Hyperkeratosis: Thickening of the stratum corneum due to excess keratin deposition.
Orthokeratosis: Keratinisation characterised by a lack of retained nuclei in the superficial keratin layer.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection: A technique for en bloc removal of superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms via endoscopy.
Chemoradiotherapy: Combined administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as a unified treatment regimen.
References
- Verrucous Carcinoma of the Esophagus Eluding Multiple Sets of Endoscopic Biopsies and Endoscopic Ultrasound: A Case Report and Review of the Literarure. Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2000).
- Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus with complete response after chemoradiotherapy. Surgical Case Reports (2022).
- A Rare Case of Esophageal Leukoplakia: A Potential Precursor to Esophageal Malignancy. Cureus (2021).
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